Fiction: Helping Friends (210 words)

27Sep

“How do we balance the line?” He asked quietly, “I mean, there has to be one, right? A safe point where we can be tolerant and understanding of what she’s going through—but also push her to start getting better? That point has to exist somewhere, right?”

Chris gave Darren a sad smile. “Well, if there is one—I haven’t found it yet.”

“No—You’re not saying we just have to leave her like this. That we just have to watch her suffer.” Darren insisted, wheeling around on the older man.

“I’ve never found a way to do more, and I’ve never seen someone successfully try. If you want to try to find a balance, go ahead, I won’t stop you. But if she tries to cut you out, I won’t stop her either. Think very carefully about what you want to do here.”

Darren faltered for a moment watching Chris carefully, processing his words. But he shook his head and turned his back. “No. I won’t accept the idea that the only thing I can do is watch her get worse. There has to be a way.”

Chris watched Darren hurry from the room, and thought silently it was a shame. He’d liked Darren. It wouldn’t be fun to watch him go.